Christine & Brad
Wedding Party
Matt Koehne
Officiant
Matt is my older brother, best friend, and partner in crime for my entire 33 years of life! Not only has he taught me how to wow a crowd at karaoke, been my Cardinals game companion, mentored me in fantasy football, and shared many an Imo's Pizza/Cheesie's Grilled Cheese/Bud Light Rita...he has also accepted Brad as a brother already, constantly enjoying two of their favorite things together - food & wrestling. There is no one who has been a bigger part of my life, or who knows mine and Brad's relationship better, and we are excited to have him make this thing official!
Jeff Kleeman
Officiant
Cousin/brother? That sounds like something weird happened in our family, but I assure you it's all good. Jeff was always like an older brother growing up. He introduced me to the best movies, music, WWE wrestlers and how attractive Alicia Silverstone was in 1995. Our good times have kept going as we have have gotten older with trips to wrestling shows, showing him the sights in Chicago and being my much needed backup at family gatherings.
Christine Drucker
Matron of Honor
I *technically* met Christine back in 3rd grade (and initially hated her because she was the only other Christine I had ever met), but thankfully I got over that and made our friendship official when we were in the same homeroom class together in 4th grade. Over the last 24 years of friendship, in addition to sharing the same name, we also share a love of tea, good books, board games, and brunch (with a good gossip session included, of course)! Christine is truly my sister, and her family has become my second family. I was honored to serve as Maid of Honor in Christine's wedding, and there is no one else I would rather have as my #1 on my big day!
Molly O'Connor
Best Woman
For the past 13 years, Molly has been one of my closest friends. She's always been so supportive and helped push me to be more creative. I mean she was there the first time I ever attempted stand-up comedy. Anyone that would still be friends with me after witnessing that train wreck is a keeper. And she kept showing up whenever I performed, even as I struggled to be just a little less terrible than the first time. Without her support I would not be the person I am today (or as hilarious). She's also responsible for my vast knowledge of Sex and the City.
Kelly Friedrich
Bridesmaid
I met Kelly during our freshman year in high school when we were in the same advisory class together. From the first time we met, I was instantly drawn to Kelly's humor and easy going nature, and as our friendship evolved throughout college, her love of a crazy night out with strong drinks and shenanigans. Even now with a lovely family with 3 boys to take care of, Kelly remains my craziest and most fun friend. I loved being a co-Maid of Honor in Kelly's wedding, and am excited to have her be an important part of my squad as well.
Shane Jensen
Groomsman
Cub scouts, baby training in the woods (don't ask) and a love of Michael Jordan fruit snacks bonded us together in 1st grade. Also being chubby. Only one of us grew out of that phase though. Shane has always been a great friend, pushing me to be more extroverted and adventurous throughout my life. I'm excited to relive our old concert going days by moshing to Limp Bizkit at our wedding...maybe Godsmack too.
Kim Karlin
Bridesmaid
Kim and I have been friends since Freshman year of high school and were constant companions while we both attended U of I together for college. Kim has the best sense of humor and an infectious laugh that always gets me laughing as well. Kim and I love taking girl's trips together (both international and domestic), seeing the latest Broadway shows together in Chicago, and until Brad came along, sharing dating woes together while we both navigated the Chicagoland dating scene. Kim is one of my most loyal friends, and I cannot wait to have her by my side on my big day!
Dan Holoch
Groomsman
I honestly can't remember when I met Spud, but I feel like he's just always been a part of my life. Spud is so laid back and it's always a fun time when he's around. Some personal favorite memories include the time his ear almost fell off playing tackle football, chauffeuring him around during D-Days '05, ruining his jacket with grape jelly packets and hitting up our favorite NYU law school bar. He's also made it a point to visit me no matter where I've moved to explore and make more great memories.
Tiesha Miller
Bridesmaid
Tiesha is my wonderful sister-in-law and one of the most creative and fun people I know! It was just after Tiesha and Matt's wedding that I met Brad, and it was their love that showed me what a healthy and strong relationship truly looks like. Tiesha has introduced me to some of the coolest events in Chicago (from Manual Cinema to the best new restaurants and bars), and we both share a love of baseball. Both Matt & Tiesha have been a HUGE part of mine & Brad's relationship, and all four of us enjoy cracking jokes & having fun together during holidays at the Koehne household. I was honored to have been a big part of Tiesha and Matt's wedding and could not be happier to have my sister stand up with me now!
Nick Olson
Groomsman
Nick and I have been friends since 4th grade. Both Vikings fans. Both living on a farm. Both loved quoting Tommy Boy during band. It was destiny. Nick's always so easy going and down for some fun. Examples include our legendary trampoline wrestling matches, video game sleepovers, cruising to Dr. Dre in the Bonneville and a trip to Vegas neither of us remember very well. He also taught me the most important part of basketball is "reaching for the cookie."
Alan Dodaro & Alex Robb
Usher
Alan and Alex are two of my best friends from college, and two of my favorite going-out buddies in Chicago. We all met in Illinois' advertising program, and our love of a craft beer from Murphy's Pub, a good burger from DMK, and a competitive round of Drawful has strengthened our relationship through adulthood. The A's live within walking distance from mine & Brad's place in the city, and they constantly have us over for drinks and fun times (including mozzarella sticks, of course). There is no one else Brad and I would trust to escort all of our crazy family and friends during our wedding!
Tom Lambrecht
Groomsman
Tom has a been a friend since literally my first day in college. He took pity on me, a guy standing by himself with giant stupid sideburns, and has been saddled with a friend ever since. We shared a lot of great times throughout the years including lighting the tap, random object chug challenges, UND tailgates with Rory Thompson and convincing ourselves the Vikings will win the Super Bowl.